Macrocyclic compounds and complexes thereof

ABSTRACT

Novel macrocyclic (monocyclic and bicyclic) compounds having nitrogen bridgehead atoms and having in the hydrocarbon bridging chains at least two additional hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen, when admixed with a compatible cation-donor compound form stable cationcontaining macrocyclic complexes which, in turn, can be conveniently dissociated by addition of acid or a quaternizing agent. The novel macrocyclics are valuable for use in the same way and for the same purposes as chelating agents. The macrocyclic compounds are prepared by condensation reactions carried out via high dilution techniques, e.g. by condensing a substituted hydrocarbon di-carbonyl halide with a substituted hydrocarbon having terminal primary or secondary amino groups followed by reduction of the resulting lactam or, alternatively, by condensing a substituted hydrocarbon having terminal secondary or tertiary amino groups which have at least one hydrogenolyzable group with a substituted hydrocarbon di-halide (or di-sulfonate) followed by hydrogenolyzation of the macrocyclic compound thereby formed.

[ June 10, 1975 MACROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS AND COMPLEXES THEREOF Jean-Marie Lehn, Strasbourg, France [75] Inventor:

[73] Assignee: Schering Corporation, Kenilworth,

[22] Filed: Mar. 26, 1973 [2]] Appl. No.: 344,682

Related 1.5. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 43,979, June 5,

i970, abandoned.

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data June 11, 1969 United Kingdom 29564/69 Feb. l7, 1970 United Kingdom 7594/70 [52] 0.8. Cl. 260/327 R; 260/239 BC; 260/239 BD; 260/239 DD; 260/2393 R; 260/2393 P;

260/2393 T; 260/2393 B; 260/327 B;

[51] Int. Cl C07d 93/00 [58] Field of Search 260/239 BC, 338, 327 R, 260/327 B, 239 ED, 239 DD [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,531,468 9/l970 Park et al. 260/239 Primary Examiner-Henry R. Jiles Assistant ExaminerC. M. S. Jaisle Attorney, Agent, or Firm--Mary S. King [57] ABSTRACT Novel macrocyclic (monocyclic and bicyclic) compounds having nitrogen bridgehead atoms and having in the hydrocarbon bridging chains at least two additional hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen, when admixed with a compatible cation-donor compound form stable cation-containing macrocyclic complexes which, in turn, can be conveniently dissociated by addition of acid or a quaternizing agent. The novel macrocyclics are valuable for use in the same way and for the same purposes as chelating agents.

The macrocyclic compounds are prepared by condensation reactions carried out via high dilution techniques, e.g. by condensing a substituted hydrocarbon di-carbonyl halide with a substituted hydrocarbon having terminal primary or secondary amino groups followed by reduction of the resulting lactam or, alternatively, by condensing a substituted hydrocarbon having terminal secondary or tertiary amino groups which have at least one hydrogenolyzable group with a substituted hydrocarbon di-halide (or di-sulfonate) followed by hydrogenolyzation of the macrocyclic compound thereby formed.

24 Claims, No Drawings MACROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS AND COMPLEXES THEREOF Cross-Reference of Related Applications This application is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 43,979 filed June 5, 1970 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION This invention relates to novel compositions of matter and to processes for their preparation.

More specifically, this invention relates to compositions of matter which may be classified as macrocyclic compounds and to complexes of said macrocyclic compounds, to methods for their manufacture, and to intermediates produced thereby.

In particular, this invention relates to compositions of matter which may be classified as diaza-macrocyclic compounds and to cation-containing-complexes of said macrocyclic compounds, including methods for their manufacture, and intermediates produced thereby.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION The invention sought to be patented in the composition-of-matter aspect of my invention resides in the concept of a chemical compound having a molecular structure comprising a hetero-macrocyclic nucleus having nitrogen bridgehead atoms separated by at least two, and preferably three, hydrocarbon bridges, each bridge having at least 3 adjoining atoms, at least one of said bridges having hydrocarbon radicals separated at intervals by hetero-substituents of the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, and amino, there being at least two hetero substituents in said macrocyclic nucleus in addition to the nitrogen bridgehead atoms, and when said macrocyclic nucleus is a monocyclic structure, of said two hetero substituents, one is either oxygen or sulfur and the other is either oxygen or amino. The novel macrocyclic compounds of this invention possess the ability to form stable complexes with compatible cation-containing compounds which renders them of value for use in much the same way and for the same purposes as chelating agents. My macrocyclic compounds are particularly valuable for use in processes and methods requiring the separation, withdrawal, or binding of specific cations from a mixture which may include other cations, and in the preparation of cationcontaining macrocyclic complex reagents which reagents may also be used in liquid media in which the cation-containing compound per se is normally insoluble.

Novel macrocyclic compounds of my invention also demonstrate pharmacological activity.

Preferred species of my invention include bicyclic macrocyclic compounds (i.e. those having three bridging chains) which is general form complexes of greater stability than do the monocyclic macrocyclics of this invention (i.e. those having two binding chains). Particularly valuable species of the foregoing are the diaza-bicyclo-macrocyclic compounds wherein the bridging chains are polyethers, particularly ethyleneoxy polyethers.

In addition to the above-described macrocyclic compounds and cation-containing complexes thereof, included within the composition of matter aspect of my invention are the amine nitrogen oxides of my bicyclic macrocyclic compounds. These tertiary amine N- oxides (hereinafter called N-oxides) do not form complexes with cation-containing compounds. Additionally, included within my inventive concept are the acid addition salts and quaternary salts of the macrocyclic compounds, which salts also do not form complexes with cation-containing compounds. These salts and N- oxides are thus useful in processes or methods utilizing the macrocyclic complexes of my invention to effect release of the cation from the macrocyclic complex after completion of said process or method.

The invention sought to be patented in one process aspect of this invention resides in the concept of treating a straight chain, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon having terminal primary or secondary amine groups with a straight chain or branched hydrocarbon having terminal carbonyl halide groups, said hydrocarbon radicals having at least three atoms in a straight chain, the hydrocarbon radical in at least one ofsaid di-amine and said di-carbonyl halide reactants being substituted by a hetero substituent of the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, and amino, said hetero substituents being separated from each other by at least one and preferably at least 2 carbon atoms, there being a total of at least two hetero substituents in said reactants; followed by treatment of the resulting lactam intermediate with a reducing agent, whereby is formed a di-aza-macrocyclic compound of my invention.

The invention sought to be patented in another process aspect resides in the concept of preparing diazamacrocyclic compounds of this in ention by the process which comprises treating a straight chain, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon having terminal secondary or tertiary amino groups substituted by at least one hydrogenolysable group, with a straight chain or branched hydrocarbon having terminal leaving groups (preferably halogen, methanesulfonate, and p-toluenesulfonate) said hydrocarbon radicals having at least 3 atoms in a straight chain, the hydrocarbon radical in at least one of said diamine or di-halide (or other leaving group) reactants being substituted by a hetero substituent of the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur and amino, said hetero substituents being separated from each other by at least one, usually by not more than five, preferably by two carbon atoms, there being a total of at least two hetero substituents in said reactants: followed by treatment of the thereby formed macrocyclic ammonium salt of this invention with a hydrogenolyzation agent.

The invention sought to be patented in yet another process aspect resides in the concept of preparing a cation-containing macrocyclic complex of this invention by the process comprising admixing a cation containing compound with a macrocyclic compound of this invention having nitrogen bridgehead atoms unsub stituted by acid addition salts, quaternary salts or N- oxides. A preferred species of this invention is that wherein the cation-containing compound is an inorganic salt.

The invention sought to be patented in yet another process aspect of this invention resides in the concept of dissociating a macrocyclic cation-containing complex of this invention to a cation-free macrocyclic compound of this invention which comprises treating a macrocyclic cation-containing complex with a member of the group consisting of an acid, including Lewis acids, a quaternizing agent and, when dissociating a bicyclic macrocyclic cation'containing complex, an N- oxide forming oxidizing agent, usually a peracid.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Macrocyclic Compounds Included within the physical embodiments of the composition of matter aspect of my invention are macrocyclic compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds of following formula I:

l l l wherein each A is hydrocarbon radical having up to 12 carbon atoms;

each D is a member selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, a hydrocarbon radical having up to 12 carbon atoms, and =N-R (R being a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a hydrocarbon radical having up to 12 carbon atoms, a hydrocarbonsulfonyl radical having up to 12 carbon atoms, a lower alkoxycarbonyl radical, a lower alkoxycarbonyl-methylene radical and a carboxymethylene radical); at least two of said D members being hetero-substituents selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur and =N-R; and when each of R and R are members selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and a hydrocarbon radical, one of said two hetero substituents is selected from the group consisting of oxygen and sulfur, the other of said two hetero substituents is selected from the group consisting of oxygen and =N-R',

m, n, and p are integers from O to 5;

and cation-containing-complexes of compounds of formula I;

and N-oxides of formula I when R, and R together form a grouping of above formula II;

And ammonium quaternary salts and acid addition salts of compounds of formula I.

The hydrocarbon groups represented by A and D usually have from 2 to l2 carbon atoms, although those having a greater number of carbon atoms are also contemplated as within the scope of this invention. The radicals A and D usually have less than six directly connecting carbon atoms in the bridging chain, ethylene and substituted ethylene groups being particularly pre ferred. Among the preferred groups for A and D are: straight and branched chained alkylene and alkenylene groups having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms such as ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene and octylene and their unsaturated analogs; cycloalkylene and cycloalkenylene groups such as cyclopropylene, cyclobutylene, cyclopentylene, cyclohexylene and cycloheptylene and their unsaturated analogs; the corresponding cycloakylene-di-alkyl groups such as cyclhexylene-dimethyl and aromatic groups such as phenylene and phenylene-di-alkyl, preferably phenylenedimethyl, The groupings A which are adjacent to N, and N preferably have an aliphatic moiety attached to N and N The hydrocarbon groups represented by R, R, and R usually have from 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Preferred are straight and branched alkyl groups having from i to 8 carbon atoms usually 1 to 4 carbon atoms and straight or branched alkenyl groups having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Other typical representatives are cycloalkyl, aralkyl and aryl groups.

The =N-hydrocarbonsulfonyl groups contemplated for the substitutent D are preferably those derived from aryl hydrocarbonsulfonic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms, e.g. from benzenesulfonic acid, xylylsulfonic acid, naphthalenesulfonic acid, and, preferably from p-toluenesulfonic acid.

Among the =Nlower alkoxycarbonyl and =N- lower alkoxycarbonylmethylene groups contemplated for the substituent D (i.e. =N-COOR' and NCH COOR'), also identified as =N-carbalkoxy and =Nmethylenecarbalkoxy), preferred are those wherein R' is methyl or ethyl,

The hetero-macrocyclic compounds of this invention are named in accordance with the International Union or Pure and Applied Chemistry I957 Rules (i.e. the IUPAC 1957 Rules) such as set forth in the J. Am. Chem. Soc. 82, 5545 (1960). Thus, for example, the following monocyclic and bicyclic structures are named as indicated hereinbelow:

l, 7, l0, l6-tetra oxa-4, l3-diazacyclooctadecane 4, 7, 13, 16, 21, 24-hexa oxa-l,10-diazabicyclo- [8,8,8] hexacosane.

In accordance with established custom, when structural formulae such as those set forth hereinabove are used in the specification and claims of this application, it is understood that methylene groups (i.e. CI-l are present at every point in the structure where two lines meet at an angle.

Preferred compounds of this invention are bicyclic macrocyclic compounds in which m, n and p are integers from to 3, particularly those compounds wherein m, n and p are integers from O to 2. Of these, those compounds wherein D is oxygen or sulfur are particularly valuable as complexing agents as described hereinbelow, a particularly valuable species being diaza-bicyclo-macrocyclic compounds wherein the bridging chains are polyethers, particularly ethyleneoxypolyethers. Listed below are typical configurations of preferred compounds of my invention.

The typical representatives of the compounds of this invention may be illustrated by inserting various groups for A and R in the above formulae:

i. A -CH CHR" ii. A Ch CHR- Ch -CHR"-Ch -CH V. A unsaturated analogs of the groupings (i) to "Ch and unsaturated analogs xii R, H wherein R" is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon radical hav ing up to 12 carbon atoms.

The ammonium quaternary salts and acid addition salts may be illustrated by the following general formulae:

R" ii R" o k' liu N N \NZJ- R wherein A, D, R", R,, m and p are as previously defined and Z is an inorganic or organic anion, the acid addition salts being illustrated by those compounds wherein R" is hydrogen and the quaternary salts being illustrated by those compounds wherein R" is a hydrocarbon radical. it is obvious to one skilled in the art that several other configuration are possible.

Process of Preparing Macrocyclic Compounds whereby in the above formulae A, D, m and p are as previously defined and either V is halogen or other good leaving group such as methanesulfonate and p-toluenesulfonate and Y is selected from the groupings R and R being as previously defined, R being an hydrogenolysable group; or V is the grouping halogen and Y is the grouping that any carbonyl group in a so-obtained compound is reduced to CH and that, if desired, a compound ob tained by any of the previous steps is subjected to one or more of the following finishing steps:

a. hydrogenolysation of hydrogenolysable groups represented by R and/or R b. transformation into an ammonium salt;

c. transformation into a tertiary amine nitrogen oxide (i.e. to an N-oxide).

Usually, the most preferred halogen atom in the above reaction is bromine, although under certain conditions intermediates wherein the halogen is chlorine or iodine are advantageously employed; and the preferred hydrogenolysable group is the benzyl group. Other examples of hydrogenolysable groups are CH OH, CH CH=CH and CH -CH -CN.

Various embodiments of the above process may be illustrated by the reaction schemes A to H below wherein the starting compounds are known in the art or prepared according to procedures known in the art.

Of the following, reaction schemes B, D, F and G exemplify one process aspect of this invention and is the method usually employed when preparing the diazamacrocyclic compounds of this invention. Reaction schemes A, C, E and H exemplify another process aspect of this invention.

Q .2Br

In order to prevent the formation of polymers, the condensation in the first step of the above-described reactions is carried out using high dilution techniques. Any inert solvent may be used, but benzene, toluene and dioxane are preferred The acid formed during the reaction must be neutralized. This may be accomplished by using two moles of the diamine to each mole of the halide, or by adding a further base, particularly a tertiary amine such as trialkylamine or pyridine, preferably triethylamine.

The reduction of the carbonyl groups in the second step of the reactions B, D, F and G is preferably carried out by means of LiAlH or Al H or B H in tetrahydrofurane. Other possible reducing agents are mixed metal hydrides such as for example NaBl-ll LiAlH OCH LiAlH lAlcl and NaBHl /BF i For the preparation of cyclic lactam according to the process indicated in reactions B and G preferably the disalt of the amide group, preferably the alkali metal, is used.

The transformation of a compound of formula I into an ammonium quaternary salt or acid addition salt may be accomplished by using standard methods such as reaction with a suitable quaternizing agent or an acid; for example, with an alkyl halide (eg. methyl iodide) or with a hydrogen-halide (e.g. hydrogen chloride) respectively.

Similarly any hydrogenolysable groups may be removed by using standard techniques such as catalytical or electrolytical reduction. Examples of catalysts which may be used are platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium and preferably, LiAlI-L. Thus the immediate product of reaction scheme C (an ammonium salt) may, if desired, subsequently be transformed into the free macrocycle by reduction in presence of LiAlH, or

Also, the transformation of a bicyclic compound of formula 1 into its tertiary amine nitrogen oxide may be accomplished by applying standard oxidation procedures such as treatment with excess dilute hydrogen peroxide in water or with peracids, e.g. perphthalic acid in ether.

Often the immediate product of the above reaction is not the free macrocyclic compound but rather a derivative thereof additionally containing part or all of the structural elements of other constituents of the reaction mixture; in such a case, the macrocyclic compound is subsequently liberated from such derivative, by standard procedures such as for example treatment with dilute acid whereby the acid addition salt of the macrocycle is formed, or with other hydrolyzing agents.

Any such salt may be dissolved in water and treated with an anion exchange resin. The so-obtained aqueous solution of the free macrocycle may then be isolated by evaporation to dryness.

For the preparation of those compounds in which R is a hydrocarbon, it is also possible to use a starting compound of formula Ill in which R, in the definition of Y is hydrogen, and to introduce the desired substituents at any stage of the process. The introduction of these substituents may be accomplished by means of known methods.

Thus, as an example, the 4,l3-dimethyl-l,7,l0,l6- tetra0xa-4,l3-diaza-cyclooctadecane may be obtained according to the following reaction schemes:

s,sss,s77

in the above reactions the reagents mentioned may be replaced by any other suitable reagents. if the metlr Cation-Containing Macrocyclic Complexes and Process for Their Preparation The macrocyclic compounds of formula I are readily soluble in most common organic solvents and in water.

The novel macrocyclic compounds have an unusual ability to form stable complexes with compatible cations. In the monocyclic compounds, it. those com pounds of formula I in which R and R are hydrogen, alkyl or alkenyl the cation presumably is held in the center of the macrocycle. In the bicyclic compounds. ie those compounds of formula I wherein both R and R together form a third bridge between the two nitrogen atoms. the bridges between the two nitrogen atoms probably form a cage in which the cation is situated. The ability to form complexes and the stability of the complexes formed seem to depend on the arrangement of the hetero atoms or groups surrounding the cation and on the relative diameters of the ringts) and the cat ion. Complexes of the monocyclic compounds are much less stable than the complexes formed from the same cation with bicyclic compounds and macrocyclic compounds forming stable complexes with cations of a certain diameter are not able to form complexes with cations having much larger diameters.

Each macrocyclic molecule is able to form a complex with a single cation. The magnitude of the charge on the cation has no influence on complex formation. The cations may be inorganic or organic. The larger macrocyclic compounds of this invention may also form polycation [c.g. dLcation) complexes with cations of smaller diameter as well as forming a complex with a single cation of larger diameter.

The cation-containing complexes formed are generally readily soluble in water, CHCl CH Cl and in acetone or other polar solvents, whereas they are slightly soluble or essentially insoluble in non polar organic solvents. 'ihey dissociate at an acid pH. Protonation of the free diamine hinders complex formation and leads to the dissociation of the complex by displacement of the equilibrium. The same dissociation is accomplished by treatment with an acid, including Lewis acids. Release of the cation may also be accomplished by treating the complex with a quaternizing agent. Dissociation of a complex of a bicyclic macrocyclic compound may also be effected by treatment with a per-acid, e.g. mchloropcrbenzoic acid. to obtain an N-oxide derivative of tormula l.

The catioircontaining macrocyclic complexes are normally formed by dissolving the macrocyclic compound and the cation yielding compound in a common solvent. such as for example acetone, methanol or water. The mixture normally is heated approximately to the boiling point of the solvent. If the complex formed is insoluble in the solvent used, the complex will crystallize and may be separated by filtration. If the complex formed is soluble in the solvent used, it may be isolated by evaporating the solution to dryness. The complexes may be purified by recrystallization.

Complexes may also be formed when the cation yielding compound (cg the salt) is insoluble in the solvent used. it is sufficient to bring a solution of the macrocyclic compound together with the crystalline salt and agitate the mixture with or without heating.

The formation of complexes is possible even if the cation yielding compound and the macrocyclic compound are poorly soluble in the medium used. In this case, the macrocycle and the cation yielding compound are mixed in the presence of a medium which is then agitated and heated, whereby the crystalline macrocycle gradually changes into the crystalline cationcontaining macrocyclic complex.

The presence of a complex in solution can be determined by spectroscopic analysis, as the addition of the cation causes changes in the spectral patterns of the macrocycle in solution.

The novel cation-containing macrocyclic complexes make it possible to use certain chemical reagents in solvents in which they are normally insoluble. For example potassium fluoride is insoluble in chloroform, whereas a complex of the salt with 4,7,l3,l6,2l,24- hexaoxal lO-diazabicyclol 8,8,81hexacosane is readily soluble in chloroform.

The cation complexing properties of the macrocyclic compounds of this invention make them of value for use in much the same way and for the same purposes as chelating agents. Thus, the cation complexing properties of the macrocyclic compounds render them of value in processes directed to the desalination of brines or to the separation of metals, for example to the separation of metals such as the transition metals and the actinides from low grade sources of these metals and to subsequently obtaining such metals in high purity form. in this connection, the macrocyclic compounds are considered to be particularly useful in the separation of high cost metals such as those of the platinium group. In the separation of uranium from treated ores, the uranium may be complexed with the macrocycle compound and the resulting cation-containing macrocyclic complex subsequently separated by water. Treatment of the uranium-macrocyclic complex with acid will then release the uranium from the complex in the form of a uranium salt.

The macrocyclic compounds of the invention may also advantageously be used for cation transport and for the preparation of ion selective membranes and electrodes.

The macrocyclic compounds are also of use in chemical syntheses, e.g. in polypeptide and protein syntheses, wherein the macrocyclic compounds advantageously selectively protect one of the ammonium cation groups in the amino acid. Additionally, the macrocyclic compounds may be used as catalysts for ionic reactions in a polar organic media wherein the macrocyclic compounds activate the reaction via an agentseparated ion pair" mechanism. Thus, for example, the potassium hydroxide complex of 4,7,l3,16,2l,24- hexaoxa-l,lO-diazabicyclo[8,8,8] hexacosane in tetrahydrofuran (prepared as described in Example 46 is a useful catalyst for reactions requiring strongly basic conditions. Thus, when five grams of fluorene are added to a tetrahydrofuran solution of 50 mgm. of the aforementioned potassium hydroxide complex of Example 46, the fluorene is converted to the fluorenyl anion (as evidenced by a strong red color) as water is concomitantly formed from the fluorene proton and the hydroxide anion of the potassium hydroxide macrocyclic complex.

By bubbling oxygen through this solution, the fluorene (in the form of the fluorenyl anion) is converted to fiuorenone and the potassium hydroxide macrocyclic complex is regenerated. This reaction 18 (which illustrates a catalytic ratio of 1:200) may be shown diagramatically as follows wherein M is the macrocyclic 4, 7, l3, 16, 21, 24-hexaoxa-l lO-diaza bicyclo [8,8,8] hexacosane.

When administered to an animal, e.g. mammals, the macrocyclic compounds have an action or biological cation mechanisms such as nervous conduction, sodium-potassium pump, and calcium metabolism of muscle and bone. These compounds are thus useful in conditions in animals requiring the regulation of cation exchange within the host.

In addition to the foregoing, macrocyclic compounds of this invention have been found to possess pharmacological activity. For example, the N-alkylated compounds of the invention, e.g. 4,l3-dimethyl-l,7,l0,l6- tetraoxa-4,l3-diazacylooctadecane, demonstrate antiviral activity against A influenza when measured by a modification of the well recognized in vitro methods of Hermann in chick fibroblast tissue culture.

Additionally, the bicyclic macrocyclic compounds of this invention, e.g. 4,7,13,l6,2l,24-hexoaxa-l,l0- diazabicyclo [8,8,8] hexacosane, have been found to inhibit catechol amine induced free fatty acid mobilization when tested in vitro with isolated adipose tissue. These compounds are therefore of use in the treatment of diabetes and hyperlipemia.

It is apparent from the foregoing that the ability of the macrocyclic compounds of my invention to form cation-containing macrocyclic complexes renders them of vaue for use in a multitude of processes and methods requiring the separation, withdrawal, or binding of specific cations from a mixture which may include other cations. Of particular value in such processes is the ease with which the cation may be dissociated from the cation-containing macrocyclic complex after completion of a process. Simple protonation of the complex by addition of acid will cause dissociation of the complex into the macrocyclic compound per se as the acid salt and a cation donor compound (e.g. a salt). Thus, for example, treatment of the silver chloride complex of 4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-l,lO-diazabicyclo [8,8,8 hexacosane with hydrochloric acid will release the silver cation from the complex with formation of the hydrochloride salt of the macrocycle and regeneration of silver chloride salt. This may be shown diagrammatically as follows, in being the macrocyclic compound:

Similarly, treatment of a cation-containing complex with a quaternizing agent, e.g. methyl iodide, will effect release of the cation from the macrocyclic compound with formation of the quaternary salt of the macrocyclic compound and reformation of a cation-containing donor.

Also, treatment of a cation-containing bicyclic macrocyclic complex with a per-acid, e.g. mchloroperbenzoic acid, will effect release of the cation from the bicyclic macrocyclic compound with formation of the N-oxide salt of the bicyclic macrocyclic compound and reformation of a cation-containing donor.

This process, which is one of the process aspects of my invention whereby a cation is easily releaseed from a cation-containing macrocyclic complex of my invention is thus particularly useful in processes such as in ore separation for the convenient isolation (in the form of a salt) of the ore being mined or purified. A preferred species of this process is that wherein release of the cation is effected by addition of acid to produce an acid addition salt of the macrocyclic compound. Re generation of the macrocyclic compound per se is eas ily accomplished by addition of base to a solution of the acid addition salt until the solution is about pH 7.

Additionally, this process provides a convenient means for purifying the macrocyclic compounds of this invention. Thus, a macrocyclic compound prepared according to the processes discussed hereinabove, which is difficult to purify or separate from by-products, may be converted to a cation-containing complex of this invention. lsolation and purification of the complex followed by treatment with acid will yield a purified macrocyclic compound of this invention as the acid addition salt.

As disclosed hereinabove a cation complex of this invention comprises a union of one molecule of a macrocyclic compound with one molecule of a cation-donor compound whereby the cation of said donor compound is held or trapped within the macrocyclic compound while the anion of said donor compound is free to move in ionized form when in a liquid ionizing medium. In such ionizing medium, the cation macrocyclic fragment remains together to form a positively charged ion fragment. Although all the variable factors have not yet been determined as described hereinabove, the complexing ability of the macrocyclic compounds varies depending upon the size of the macrocyclic compound, the number and type of hetero atom therein, and the cation-donor compound. A macrocycle of large structure will show strong complexing activity with cations of larger structure, and weaker compiexing activity with smaller cations which can easily escape the macrocyclic compound cage. In preparing my macrocyclic bicyclic compounds, the size of the cavity therein can be altered by varying the length of the (AD), bridges, thereby providing a better or poorer fit as metallic ion size varies. The equiiibrium constant for binding (Ks described hereinbelow) provides a measure of the binding strength of a given macrocycle for a given cation, the negative logarithm thereof (i.e.pK,) being a convenient method of reporting the binding strength of a given macrocycle for a given cation, the higher the pl( value, the stronger the binding properties of the macrocyclic. Listed hereinbelow are data on the binding strength (pk,) of macrocyclic compounds of our invention and a description of the method whereby such data was obtained.

The binding constant (pK,) data of the cationcontaining complexes of my invention such as that shown hereinbelow provides a convenient means for predicting which macrocyclic compounds of my invention will be preferable over others in a given process. Thus, with reference to the tables set forth under section C hereinbelow it is noted that the macrocyclic compound of Example 6 (a preferred compound of my invention) is useful in separating silver, thallium and lead from treated ores since this compound has high binding constants with silver, thallium and lead cations. It is noted further that one would use the macrocyclic compound of Example 6 in preference to macrocyclic compounds of Example 22 to separate a lead sat from an ore since the binding constant (pl(,) of the former (i.e. +1205) is higher than the binding constant of the latter (+8.11).

From tables A(3) and B(3), it is evident that the macrocyclic compound of Example 6 has a binding constant for the potassium cation (pl(,, +5.17) which is less than its binding constant for strontium. The compound of Example 6 is thus useful to effect elimination of freshly incorporated radioactive strontium from a mammal by administering thereto (eg by subcutaneous injection) the potassium chloride complex of the compound of Example 6 in physiological solution. Since the macrocycle of Example 6 binds strontium cation more strongly than potassium cation, an ion exchange takes place and there is formed a strontium chloride macrocyclic complex with liberation of the potassium cation. The strontium chloridemacrocyclic complex is then eliminated from the mammal via usual routes. In similar manner the potassium chloride complex of Example 6 can be used to eliminate barium from a mammal since the barium binding constant (9.48) is also much greater than the potassium binding constant (5.17).

Macrocyclic compounds of my invention which bind lithium more strongly than potassium or sodium e.g. the macrocyclic of Example 55 (see Table A( 1) hereinbelow) are also useful in the treatment of lithium intox ication. On the other hand, the macrocyclics of Examples 43 and 6 are not desirable for treating lithium intoxication since these compounds bind potassium and sodium more strongly than lithium (see tables A(2) and A(3) hereinbelow).

Additionally, macrocyclics having a stronger binding constant for sodium than potassium (e.g. the compounds of Examples 55 and 43 (tables A( 1) and A(2) are useful as naturetic agents.

Similarly, from table A(3) it is evident that the macrocyclic compound of Example 6 has a very low binding constant with cesium cation (i.e. less than 1.5) while having good binding constants with sodium, p0 tassium and rubidium cations (i.e. 3.75, 5.17, and 4.20

respectively). The compound of Example 6 thus provides a convenient method to effect what is now a difficult separation of cesium salts from salts of sodium, potassium and rubidium with which cesium co-occurs in nature. Thus, for example, by adding the compound of Example 6 to a brine containing the aforementioned salt mixture, there are preferentially formed complexes of the compound of Example 6 with the sodium, potassium and rubidium salts, which complex mixture can be extracted from the brine by an organic solvent, for example, leaving behind the cesium salt.

Following are tables listing the stability constants (K,) and binding constants (-pK.) of typical bicyclic macrocyclic compounds of my invention.

Stability Constants of Macrocy'cle Complexes in Aqueous Solution General It has been determined by measuring the pH, in water, the equilibrium constants for reactions of the following type, the type being illustrated by bicyclic amine macrocycles:

l. A M AM AM (K,)

Protonation of the diamine Protonation of the macrocycle complex 4. AMH AMH +H (K Arvin" AM +H (K!) It has been verified that the last two equilibria of protonation of the macrocycle complex, remain comparitively negligible and have established a formula relating K to the pH and all constants of the mixture:

C Concentration of added acid (moles/litre) C Concentration of the amine, if no reaction took place (moles/litre) C =Concentration of the metal, if no reaction took place (moles/litre) K, is expressed in moles *3 litre K and K are preliminarily determined by titrating the diamine with dilute hydrochloric acid, in the presence of a reference salt of known concentration (N MefBr for the small cages, Li C] for the large cages). After addition of a known quantity of the salt to a solution of the amine of known concentration, in the presence of a noncomplexed reference salt of the same concentration used for the determination of K, and K the solution is titrated with dilute HCl taking pH measurements of the solutions. Each point of ad dition provides a value of K, (by applying the preceding formula}. Calculation should provide a value of K, which is approximately constant throughout the titration.

Results obtained (at 250C t 02C] (A) Alkali Metals l) Compound Ex.55

N Reference salt=NMe Br Compound Ex,43

23 24 -Cntinued Results obtained [at 250C i 02C) 3) Compound Exfi Cation K, -pK, M 2

N NMN Reference salt=N Me Br 4g ggmpound -grg -4 K, pK Protonation of the amine J x N Ll I(l-"' l.5 8 10 N N Reference salt=LiCl Sr ZXIO 3.30 N Ba 5.6x m 5.75 NMMN Reference salFLiCl 5) Compound [5x24 N Cation Ki pK, Protonation of the amine NW?! Reference sah=LiCl -8 w K,=4.7 I0;-pK|=7.33 M K)=+()2() Na |0 15 9 p K =3.2Xl(]; pK,=8.50

65* r5 10 2.18 E? l m2 l 2 5) Compound Ex.24 3x10: 3

a 6) Compound EXJB N Reference salFLiCl 3O N W Reference salK=LiCl K, 7.31 LQ-I P\ For Mg, Ca. Sr:-pK,, 2 For Ba: K 5.1Xl0

pK, 4.71 i 0.20 (C) Other cations studied 6) Compound Ex.l8 1) Compound Ex 43 o ("l B N W Reference SalFLlCl 76 40 N Reference salt=NMe +BF Y 1 6.96 \Jk/ L/ Cu": K.== IO pK, 10 2t] 2 For the alkali metals K, lO- Compound Ex 6 (B) Alkaline Earth Metals 5 1] Compound Ex.55 FBI-Bl NW" A N N N Reference salt=NMe Br 1 5O Cation K, pK, ApK, Refgrence a t Ag, 4. ix) 9.6l 0.20 Without reference For all the alkaline earths K H) n 2) Compound Ex.43 TV 2. lXlO" 6.32 I 0.20 Without reference salt Pb l.l3 l(]' l2.U5 10.10 N f N NMe Br T6 N N Reference salt=NMe Br 3) Compound Eli-22 Amie 10.10 b "v i N NWN Reference salt=L|Cl 6 Cation K pK, 6O R R R I M 10 2 Ca Z'LOXIU" 6.70 Sr [.ZXlU' 7.07 Tl 1 K, 3.10 *EK,=4.48-Hll() Ba Pb: K,= LJXIU 3) Compound Exfi 13K, =8.l lzd). l0

The following examples further illustrate the practice of this invention. My invention is not to be construed MpK =10.l0 as limited to the specific embodiments described N Reference salt=NMe Br 6 therein but, rather, to include modifications thereof obvious to those skilled in the art.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Triglycolyl Chloride A. Preparation of Triglycolic Acid 100 g. of nitric acid (density 1.38) are heated to 45C. 20 g. of triethylene glycol are added in small portions so as to keep the temperature at about 45C to 50C. After this step the mixture is agitated for about 20 minutes at 45C and then for one hour at about 80C. The solution is evaporated under vacuum at 70C for 2 to 3 hours. A viscous paste of a brownish colour is obtained. 100-120 ml of benzene are added and water is distilled off. Upon cooling, the diacid crystallizes and is recrystallized from a mixture of acetone and benzene. The solid is dried under a vacuum of 0.1 mm. Hg and the acid obtained has m.p. 74-75C. PMR (in D 3.80 ppm (singlet); 4.25 ppm (singlet) B. Preparation of Triglycolyl Chloride g. of the acid obtained above, 30 g. of oxalyl chloride, 100 ml. anhydrous benzene and three drops of pyridine are mixed and agitated for 24 hours. Petroleum ether is added and the product is decanted. The mixture is filtered and the benzene and the excess of oxalyl chloride is evaporated on a rotatory evaporator without heating. The evaporation is repeated twice,

each time with 100 ml. of benzene. The product obtained is a yellow oil. The oil is diluted with a mixture of ethyl ether and petroleum ether and after cooling to a temperature between room temperature and 70C, the product crystallizes out. The crystals are then washed with petroleum ether, care being taken that the product does not come into contact with moisture in the air. After recrystallizing twice and washing twice with ether, the product is dried under a vacuum of 0.1 mm. Hg. m.p. =30C (crude product).

PMR (CDCl ):3.85 ppm (singlet);4.52 ppm (singlet).

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of l,8-Diamino-3,6-dioxaoctane A. Preparation of Triethylene Glycol Dibromide 66 g. of triethylene glycol and 13.3 g. of anhydrous pyridine are slowly added to 100 g. of phosphorous tribromide while agitating and cooling the mixture. After standing overnight at room temperature, the mixture is poured on to ice and the organic phase is decanted, washed with water and dilute hydrochloric acid and dried over sodium sulphate. After distillation under vacuum (95C and 0.5 mm. Hg) the title compound is obtained. Yield: 60-70% PMR (CDC1 3.4-4.0 ppm (multip1et);3.70 ppm (singlet) B. Preparation of Triethylene Glycol Diphthalimide 161 g. of phtalimide are mixed with 50 g. of potassium hydroxide in 500 ml. ethanol. The mixture is agitated for 24 hours and filtered and potassium phthalimide is obtained. 7.5 g. of the dibromide obtained in part A of this example is mixed with 30 ml. dimethylformamide and 9 g. of the potassium phthalimide obtained above, and the mixture is heated for one hour at 100C. After cooling, 50 ml. water and 50 ml. chloroform are added. After decantation, the organic layer is washed with dilute potassium hydroxide, then with water and is dried over potassium sulphate and evaporated. The title compound crystallizes out and is recrystallized from acetic acid. Yield m.p.; 175C. PMR (CDCl- .):3.53.85 ppm (multiplet);3.60 ppm (singlet); 7.80 (multiplet). C. Preparation of l,8-Diamino-3,6-dioxaoctane 22.4 g. of the product obtained in step B are suspended in 250 ml. ethanol and heated under reflux. 19 ml. of N H and water (50%) are added and the heating under reflux is continued for 2 hours. After this time, the reaction is practically finished. 25 ml. of ION hydrochloric acid is added and the mixture is heated under reflux for an additional half hour. The majority of the alcohol is distilled off, and the residual solution is filtered and saturated with potassium hydroxide. The mixture is poured into a liquid-liquid extractor and extracted with benzene. The benzene solution is evaporated, and the diamine distilled under a vacuum of 0.5 mm. Hg at 88C. Yield =70%. PMR (CDCl CH N:2.85 ppm (triplet); CH,O: 3.50 ppm (triplet) and 3.60 ppm (singlet).

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of 5 ,12-Dioxo-1,7,l0,l6-tetraoxa-4,l3-diazacyclooctadecane This reaction is carried out applying a high dilution technique. A solution of 14.8 g. of the diamine obtained in Example 2 (0.1 mole) in 500 ml. anhydrous benzene and a solution of l 1.2 g. of the dichloride obtained in Example 1 in 500 ml. anhydrous benzene are added to 1,200 ml. anhydrous benzene over a period of 8 hours under vigorous agitation and under a nitrogen atmosphere. On termination, the benzene solution is filtered and evaporated to dryness. The crystalline residue is dissolved in anhydrous benzene and passed through a column of aluminium oxide. The polymers formed during the reaction are retained and a pure solution of the desired compound is obtained. After recrystallization from a mixture of benzene and heptane, the title product is produced. m.p. =1 1 1C. Yield =70%.

PMR (CDCI ):COCH O:4.00 ppm (singlet)- ;CH N and --CH -O:3.6 ppm (multiplet) EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of 1 ,7,10,l6-Tetraoxa-4,l 3-diazacyclootadecane A solution of 18.5 g. of the diamide obtained in Example 3 in 450 ml. anhydrous tetrahydrofurane is slowly added to a mixture of ml. anhydrous tetrahydrofurane and 12 g. LiAlH, while stirring and heating at the reflux temperature. After the addition is completed, the mixture is stirred under reflux and under a nitrogen atmosphere for 24 hours. After cooling to room temperature the excess reagent is destroyed by adding a mixture of water and THE (1:2). The mixture is filtered and the filtrate is evaporated to dryness. The residue is dissolved in benzene and the solution is passed through a column of A1 0 with benzene as eluant. The solution is evaporated to dryness and after recrystallization from benzene/petrol ether 13.5 g. of the desired product is obtained. m.p. =1 15-1 16C.

Yield: 80%. PMR (CDCl --CH -O: 3.58 ppm (singlet +triplet); Cl-l -N:2.78 ppm (triplet) EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of 2,9-Dioxo-4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-l,10diazabicyc1o[ 8,8,8 lhexacosane The reaction is carried out applying the high dilution technique.

A solution of 5.24 g. of the cyclic diamine obtained in Example 4 and 4.4 g. of triethylamine in 500 ml. anhydrous benzene and a solution of the dichloride (4.4 g. in 500 m1. anhydrous benzene) obtained in Example 18 is added to 1000 ml. anhydrous benzene during 10 hours under nitrogen atmosphere and under agitation. The salt oftriethylamine and the hydrochloric acid precipitates and is filtered off. The filtrate is evaporated to dryness. The residue is dissolved in benzene and passed through a column of A1 using benzene as an eluant. The product is crystallized from a hexane-benzene mixture. m.p. =114C. Yield 50%.

PMR (CDC1 several peaks between 3.3 and 4.6 ppm EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of 4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,l0-diazabicyclol8,8,81hexacosane B l-l is prepared according to the process described in ()rg. Reactions l3, 31-32 (1963). A solution of 1 g. of the bicyclic diamide obtained in Example 5 in 20 ml. tetrahydrofurane is slowly added to 15 ml. of the fresh prepared B 14 solution under nitrogen atmosphere and at a temperature of 0C. The mixture is agitated at this temperature for 30 minutes and thereafter 1 hour at reflux temperature. The excess reagent is destroyed by adding 5 ml. of water and the solution is evaporated on a rotatory evaporator under vacuum. 1 g. of the diborane of the title compound is obtained:

This rompound is hydrolysed by adding 20 ml. 6N hydrochloric acid under heating and a solution is obtained. The mixture is evaporated to dryness under vacuum on a rotatory evaporator. The residue is dissolved in ml. water and the solution is passed through a column of an anion exchange resin (Dowex l). The col umn is washed wth water until there is no basic reaction. The water is evaporated. The residue is recrystallized from hexane and dried in vacuum (01 mm. Hg). 890 mg. of the desired product is obtained. m.p. =68-69C. Yield 95%.

PMR (CDCl CH N:2.65 ppm (triplet);CH -O: 3.65 ppm (singlet triplet) EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of 4,13-Dimethoxycarbonyl-l,7,l0,16-tetraoxa-4,l3- diazacyclooctadecane 3.6 g. of the diamine obtained in Example 4 are dissolved in 30 ml. methanol and 3 ml. water. A solution of 3.6 g. ClCO Cl-l in 15 ml. methanol is added while cooling and agitating. The agitation is maintained for 24 hours. The mixture is filtered and the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The residue is recrystallized from Cl-lcl /petroleum ether. m.p. =104C. Yield PMR (CDCl ):Signals at about 3.65 ppm.

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of 4,13-Dimethyl-1,7,10,l6-tetraoxa-4,l3-diazacyclooctadecane A: 3 g. of the compound of Example 7 dissolved in 20 ml. dry ether are slowly added to 3 g. LiAll-l in 5 ml. dry ether. The mixture is agitated for 24 hours. Then 3 g. KOH in 6 ml. H O is added followed by 10 ml. H O. The mixture is filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue is extracted with ether and benzene. The solution is evaporated to dryness and an oil which boils at 97C by a pressure of 0.05 mm. Hg is obtained. PMR (CDCI CH -N:2.70 ppm (triplet);NCl-l 2.32 ppm (singlet); CH O: 3.65 ppm (singlet triplet) B: Alternatively this compound may be obtained by reaction N,N'-dimethyl-1,8-diamino-3,6-dioxaoctane with triglycolyle chloride following the procedure of Examples 3 and 4.

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of the KSCN-Complex of 1,7,10,l6-Tetraoxa-4,13-diaza-cyclooctadecane 524 mg. of the macrocyclic compound obtained in Example 4 and 194 mg. of KSCN are refluxed in 20 ml. of acetone for 5 minutes. The acetone is then removed under vacuum, and the residue is recrystallized from CHCl /Petroleum ether. The crystalline complex melts at 167-168C.

EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of the CuCb-Complex of 1,7,10,16-Tetraoxa-4,l3-diaza-cyclooctadecane A solution of 2.62 g. of the macrocyclic compound obtained in Example 4 in 10 ml. Cl-l Ol-l is mixed with a solution of 1.70 g. of CuCl .2H O in 10 ml. CH OH. The blue complex is immediately formed and precipitates. After filtration and recrystallization from CHCl /CH OH the pure complex is obtained.

EXAMPLE 1 1 Preparation of the RbSCN-Complex of 4,7,13,16,21,24-hexana 1,l0-diazabicyclo[8,8,8]hcxacosane mg. amine macrocyclic obtained in Example 6 and 35 mg. RbSCN are mixed in a flask. 20 ml. acetone are added. The mixture is heated to the boiling point until all solid materials has dissolved. After evaporation to dryness the residue is extracted with chloroform, which dissolves the complex. The chloroform solution is also evaporated to dryness, yielding the crystalline complex. The complex may be recrystallized from acetone-heptane. It melts at l63-164C.

PMR (CDCI CH N; 2.56 ppm (triplet) EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of the BaCh-Cornpiex of 4,7,13.l6,21,24-hexaoxa-LIU-diaxahicycloi Rhilhex acosane 37.6 mg. amine macrocyclic obtained in Example 6 and 21 mg. BaCl ,2H O are dissolved in ml. water. The solution is then evaporated to dryness. The sorid residue is extracted with methylene chloride. After tiltration of the solution, ether is added until crystallization sets in. The crystalline complex does not melt out darkens at about 200C.

PMR (CDClq):- CH2N:2-80 ppm (triplet) EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of Tetraglycolyl Chloride A Preparation of Tetraglycolic Acid 100 g. of nitric acid (density=l.38) are heated to 45C g. of tetraethylene glycol are added in portions so as to keep the temperature at ab. at 50C. After this step the mixture is agitated for about 20 minutes at 45C and then for 1 hour about 80C. The solution is evaporated under vacuum at 70C for 2 to 3 hours. A viscous paste of a brownish colour is obtained. 100 to 120 ml. of benzene are added and water is distilled off. The diacid is a viscous oil which does not crystallize. PMR (D O):3.75 ppm (singlet);4.22 ppm (singlet) B Preparation of Tetraglycolyl Chloride 28 g. of the acid obtained above, g. ofoxalyl chlo ride. 200 ml. anhydrous benzene and six drops of pyridine are mixed and agitated for 6 hours. The mixture is filtered and the benzene and the excess of oxalyl chloride is evaporated on a rotatory evaporator without heating. The evaporation is repeated twice, each time with 100 ml. of benzene. The product obtained is a ye!- low oil. which does not crystallize. PMR (CDClg): 3.75 ppm (multiplet); 4.53 ppm (singlet) EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of 1,1 1-Diamino-3.6,9-trioxaundecane A. Preparation of Tetraethylene Glycol Dibroniide 300 g. of tetraethylene glycol and 100 g. of unity drous pyridine are slowly added to 727 g. oi" phospho rus tribromide, while agitating and cooling the mixture. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture is poured on to ice and the organic phase is ted washed with water and dilute hydrochloric acid and dried over sodium sulphate. After distillation under vacuum (l23125C and 0.4 mm. Hg) the title com pound is obtained. Yield: PMR (CDCl 3.70 ppm (multiplet) B. Preparation of Tetraethylenc Glycol Diphthnlimide 161 g. of diphthalimide are mixed with 50 oi- PJlltfi' sium hydroxyde in 500 ml. ethanol. The mixture is agitated for 24 hours and filtered and potassium phtaiimide is obtained. 217 g. of the dibromide obtained in part A of this example is mixed with 1,000 ml. dimeth ylformamide and 260 g. of the potassium phtaliniide obtained above, and the mixture is heated for eight hours at 100C. After cooling, the mixture is poured into 3 liter cold water. The precipitate filtered. washed with water and acetone and dried under ac (1 til Litilii. The title compound is recrystallized from ethanol. Yield mp. ltHi -lOJ C. PMR (CDCI 3.60 ppm (singlet); 3.80 ppm (multi plot); 7.80 (multiplct) C. Preparation of 1,1l domino-3.6.9-trioxaundecanc 254 g. of the product obtained in step B are susended in 1000 ml. ethanol and heated under reflux. g. of hl ii in 90 water is added and the heating under reflux is continued for 3 hours. After this time. the re action is practically finished. lUN hydrochloric acid is added until pH 1 is obtained and the mixture is heated under reflux for an additional half hour. The residual mixture is filtered; the solution is evaporated to dryness. 250 ml. water are added and the solution is saturated with potassium hydroxide. The mixture is again filtered to remove precipitated KC] and is poured into a liquiiildi uid extractor and extracted with benzene. The benzene solution is evaporated, and the diamine distilled under a vacuum of 0.2 mm Hg at ll4l 16C. Yield 72%. PMR (CDCE NH 1.30 ppm (singlet); (H -N: 2.85 ppm (triplet); CH --O: 3.48 ppm itriplet) and 3.60 ppm (singlet).

EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of 5.l5 Dioxo-l,7.li).l 5.19.22-hexaoxa-4,l-diazacyclotetracosane This reaction is carried out applying a high d itmion technique. A solution of 15.4 g. of the ain/me obtamed in Example 1% in 500 ml. 'dl'll"l" uul1S benzene and a solution oi 10.4 of the diclfl ride obtained in Example 13 in 500 ml. anhydrou. benzene are added to 1.200 ml. anhydrous benzene over a period of 10 hours under vigorous agitation and under a nitrogen atmosphere. Uri termination. the benzene solution is fit tered and evaporated to dryness. The oily residue is dissolved in anhydrous benzene and passed through a col' umn of aluminium oxide. The polymers formed during the reaction are retained and a pure solution of the de compound is obtained. After evaporation of the benzene. the title product is produced as a viscous oil. Yield I 68%.

PEVI'R (CDCLJ: (TH ---O and CH N'. 3.60 ppm (three peaks) --CO----CH O1 3.85 ppm (singlet) EXA MPLE 16 Preparation of 1110.13.19.22 Hexaoxad. i6 diazacyclotetracosane A solution of 30 g. of the diamidc obtained in Example 5.5 in 200 nil. anhydrous tetrahydroforane is slowly added to a mixture of 50 ml. anhydrous tetrahydrofurant. and 13 g. LiAlH; while stirring and heating at the reflux temperature. After the addition is completed, the mixture is stirred under reflux and under a nitrogen atmosphere for 24 hours. After cooling to room temperature the reducing agent is destroyed by adding a mixture of water and THF l '2 The mixture is filtered and the filtrate is evaporated to dryness. The residue is dissolved in benzene and the solution is passed through a column of M 0 with benzene as eluant. The solution is evaporated to dryness and the desired product is ob tained as a colourless oil which crystallizes at low tem peratures. nip. I 15C Yield PMR(CDC1;,): NH: 2.10 ppm (singlet); CH N; 2.80 ppm (triplet); CH O: 3.60 ppm (singlet and triplet).

EXAMPLE 17 Preparation of 2,l2-dioxo-4,7,l0,16,19,22,27,30,33-nonaoxa-l,l 3- diazabicyclo[ l 1,1 1,1 l ]pentatriacontane The reaction is carried out applying the high dilution technique. A solution of 7.0 g. of the cyclic diamine obtained in Example 16 and 4.4 g. of triethylamine in 500 ml. anhydrous benzene and a solution of the dichloride (5.2 g. in 500 ml. anhydrous benzene) obtained in Example 13B is added to 1,200 ml. anhydrous benzene during ten hours under nitrogen atmosphere and under agitation. The salt of triethylamine and the hydrochloric acid precipitates and is filtered off. The filtrate is evaporated to dryness. The residue is dissolved in benzene and passed through a column of A1 using benzene as an eluant. The product is a colourless oil which crystallizes on standing. m.p. 72- 74C Yield 65% PMR (CDCl 3.4-3.8 ppm (broad peaks); COCH N: 4.33 ppm (broad peak).

EXAMPLE 18 Preparation of 4,7,10,16,19,22,27,30,33-nonaoxa1,13-diazabicyclol 1 1 ,l 1,1 1 lpentatriacontane B H is prepared according to the process described in Org. Reactions 13, 31-32 (1963).

A solution of 1.3 g. of the bicyclic diamide obtained in Example 17 in 20 ml. tetrahydrofurane is slowly added to 15 ml. of the fresh prepared 3 1-1 solution (1.6 mole) under nitrogen atmosphere and at a temperature of 0C. The mixture is agitated at this temperature for 30 minutes and thereafter 2 hours at reflux temperature. After cooling to room temperature the excess reagent is destroyed by adding 10 ml. of water and the solution is evaporated on a rotatory evaporator under vacuum. The bis-amineborane of the title compound is obtained by extraction of the residue with chloroform.

This compound is hydrolysed by adding 25 ml. 6N hydrochloric acid under heating to reflux for 3 hours and a solution is obtained. The mixture is evaporated under vacuum on a rotatory evaporator. The residue is dissolved in 10 ml. water and the solution is passed through a column of an anion exchange resin (Dowex 1). The column is washed with water until there is no basic reaction. The water is evaporated. The residue is the desired product, obtained as a colourless oil. Yield 95%.

PMR (CDCl ):CH -N:2.85 ppm (triplet);-CH- -O: 3.65 ppm (singlet and triplet) EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of ,1 2-Dioxo-l ,7,10,16, l9-pentaoza-4,l 3-diazacycloeneicosane This reaction is carried out applying a high dilution technique. A solution of 31.8 g. of the diamine obtained in Example 14 in 1,000 ml. anhydrous benzene and a solution of 17.8 g./ of the dichloride obtained in Example 1 in 1,000 ml. anhydrous benzene are added to 1,200 ml. anhydrous benzene over a period of 14 hours under vigorous agitation and under a nitrogen atmosphere. On termination, the benzene solution is filtered and evaporated to dryness. The crystalline residue (25 g.) is dissolved in anhydrous benzene and passed through a column of aluminum oxide. The polymers formed during the reaction are retained and a pure solution of the desired compound is obtained. After recrystallization from a mixture of benzene and heptane, the title product is produced. m.p. C-9lC. Yield 75%.

PMR (CDCl ):Cl-l -O and -CH -N:3.5 to 3.9 ppm (complex multiplet); COCH O: 4.05 ppm (singlet).

EXAMPLE 20 Preparation of 1 ,7, 10, 16,1 9-Pentaoxa-4,l 3-diazacycloeneicosane A solution of 6.7 g. of the diamide obtained in Example 19 in ml. anhydrous tetrahydrofurane is slowly added to a mixture of 50 ml. anhydrous tetrahydrofurane and 3.8 g. LiAll-L. while stirring. After the addition is complete, the mixture is stirred under reflux and under a nitrogen atmosphere for 1 1 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the reagent is destroyed by adding 10 ml. water in 25 ml. THF, followed by 10 ml. NaOl-l 15% in water) and then 30 ml. water. The mixtture is filtered and the filtrate is evaporated to dryness. The residue is dissolved in benzene and the solution is passed through a column of A1 0 with benzene as eluant. The solution is evaporated to dryness and the desried product is obtained as a colourless oil which crystallizes at low temperature. m.p. about 0C Yield 70%.

PMR CDCl ):NH: 2.50 ppm (singlet); CH N:

2.80 ppm (triplet): C1-l 3.5-3.7 ppm (two singlets triplet).

EXAMPLE 21 Preparation of 14,21 ,Dioxo-4,7,l0,16,19,24,27-heptaoxa-1,l3- diazabicyclol 8,8,1 l]nonacosane The reaction is carried out applying the high dilution technique. A solution of 2.45 g. of the cyclic diamine obtained in Example 20 and 2 g. of triethylamine in 200 ml. anhydrous benzene and a solution of the dichloride (1.8 g. in 200 ml. anhydrous benzene) obtained in Example 113 is added to 1200 ml. benzene during 5 hours under nitrogen atmosphere and under agitation. The salt of triethylamine and hydrochloric acid precipitates and is filtered off. The filtrate is evaporated to dryness. The residue is dissolved in benzene and passed through a column of A1 0 using benzene as an eluant. After evaporation of the solvent, the residue crystallizes on standing. The product obtained is the desired compound. m.p. 97-98C. Yield 65%.

PMR (CDCI CH N and C1-1 O: 3.5-3.9 ppm (broad peaks); CO-CH -O: 4.0-4.3 ppm (very broad peaks).

EXAMPLE 22 Preparation of 4,7,10,16,19,24,27-heptaoxa-1,13- diazabicyclol 8,8,1 l]nonacosane B H is prepared according to the process described in Org. Reactions," 13, 31-32 (1963). A solution of 1.5 g. of the bicyclic diamide obtained in Example 21 in 15 ml. anhydrous tetrahydrofurane is slowly added to 15 ml. of the fresh prepared B l-l solution (1.2 M) under nitrogen atmosphere and at a temperature of C. The mixture is agitated at this temperature for 30 minutes and thereafter 2 hours at reflux temperature. The excess reagent is destroyed by adding 5 ml. of water and the solution is evaporated on a rotatory evaporator under vacuum. The bis-amineborane of the title compound is obtained.

This compound is hydrolysed by adding 30 ml. 6N hydrochloric acid under heating at reflux for 2 hours and a solution is obtained. The mixture is evaporated under vacuum on a rotatory evaporator. The residue is dissolved in 10 ml. water the solution is passed through a column of an anion exchange resin (Dowex 1). The column is washed with water until there is no basic reaction. The water is evaporated. The residue is dried in vacuum (0.1 mm. Hg.). 1 g. of the desired product is obtained as a colourless liquid. Yield 75%.

PMR (CDCl CH -N:2.75 ppm (triplet);Cl-l- 0: 3.70 ppm (singlet);3.65 ppm (triplet).

EXAMPLE 23 Preparation of 2,l2-Dioxo-4,7,l0,l6,[9,22,27,30-octaoxa-l ,13- diazabicyclo[8,l 1,1 1 ldotriacontane The reaction is carried out applying the high dilution technique.

A solution of 1.67 g. of the cyclic diamine obtained in Example and 1.2 g. of the triethylamine in 100 ml. anhydrous benzene and a solution of the dichloride 1.30 g. in 100 ml. anhydrous benzene) obtained in Example 13B is added to 1.000 ml. benzene during 2 hours under nitrogen atmosphere and under agitation. The salt of triethylamine and the hydrochloric acid precipitates and is filtered off. The filtrate is evaporated to dryness. The residue is dissolved in benzene and passed through a column of A1 0 using benzene as an eluant. The desired product is obtained as a colourless viscous oil. Yield 50%.

PMR (CDCl 3.4-3.8 ppm (broad peaks); CO-CH O: 4.35 ppm (broad peak) EXAMPLE 24 Preparation of 4,7,10,16,19,22,27,30,-octaoxa-1,l 3-diazabicyclo[ 8,1 1,1 l]dotriacontano B H is prepared according to the process described in Org. Reactions 13, 31-32 (1963). A solution of 1.2 g. of the bicyclic diamide obtained in Example 23 in 20 ml. tetrahydrofurane is slowly added to 10 ml. of the fresh prepared B H solution (1.6 M) under nitrogen atmosphere and at a temperature of 0C. The mixture is agitated at this temperature for 30 minutes and thereafter 2 hours at reflux temperature. The excess reagent is destroyed by adding 3 ml. of water and the solution is evaporated on a rotatory evaporator under vacuum. 1.13 g. of the bis-amine-borane of the title compound is obtained by extracting the residue with chloroform.

This compound is hydrolysed by adding 40 n1. 6N hydrochloric acid under heating for 2 hours and a solution is obtained. The mixture is evaporated under vacuum on a rotatory evaporator. The residue is dissolved in 10 ml. water and the solution is passed through a column of an anion exchange resin (Dowex l). The column is washed with water until there is no basic reaction. The water is evaporated. The residue is the desired product, obtained as a colourless liquid. Yield PMR (CDCl ):-CH N: 2,80 ppm (triplet); CH- O: 3.4-3.8 ppm (singlet and triplet) EXAMPLE 25 Preparation of the CsSCN complex of 4,7,l0,16,l9,22,27- 30,33-nonaoxa-l ,13-diazabicyclo[ 1 1,1 1,1 l ]pentatriacontana mg. of the macrocyclic compound obtained in Example 18 and 45 mg. of CsSCN are refluxed in 20 m1. of acetone for 5 minutes. After filtration, the solvent is evaporated. The residue is extracted with chloroform, filtered again and evaporated to dryness. The complex is crystallized from acetone/ethyl acetate.

m.p. l55 156C. PMR (CDCI Cl-l N:2.60 ppm (triplet);CH- -0: 3.55 ppm (triplet) and 3.62 ppm (singlet) EXAMPLE 26 Preparation of Ethylene-bisthioglycolic acid dichloride A. Preparation of Ethylene-bisthioglycolic acid Thioglycolic acid (20 g.), water (20 ml.), ethanol (20 ml.), and a solution of sodium hydroxide (17.6 g.) in water (30 ml.) are mixed in a flask and heated at reflux temperature. 1,2-Dibromoethane (18.5 g.) is added with strong agitation over a period of three hours. The mixture is refluxed for another two hours. After filtration, the filtrate is evaporated to dryness and taken up in a mixture of water 100 ml.) and 12 N hydrochloric acid (60 ml.) The mixture is extracted with ether (50 ml. three times). The organic layer is separated, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness to give the crystalline title compound which is then recrystallized from toluene.

m.p. 107C (Yield 80%) PMR (D O):SCH CH -S:3.0 ppm (singlet;4l-l): SCH CO:3.55 ppm (singlet; 4H).

B. Preparation of the dichloride of the preceding acid 15 g. of the above diacid are added to a mixture of 100 ml. anhydrous benzene and 100 ml. anhydrous ether. Then 30 g. oxalyl chloride are added the flask being protected by a calcium chloride tube. The mixture is stirred for 36 hours and the diacid progressively dissolves as it is being transformed into the corresponding dichloride. The solution is then evaporated to dryness (without heating) leaving a brownish solid residue which is recrystallized from a mixture of anhydrous ether and petroleum ether by cooling at 70C in a dry ice-acetone mixture.

The solid yellowish dichloride is obtained in a nearly quantitative yield. m.p. approx. 30C (crude prod uct) PMR (CDCl SCH --CH S:2.92 ppm (singlet;4l-l): SCH CO:3.55 ppm (singletc4l-l) EXAMPLE 27 Preparation of 3,6-dithia-1,8-diamino-octane 8.5 g. potassium metal are dissolved in 100 ml. anhydrous tertio-butanol (heating at 60C accelerates the process). When the metal is entirely dissolved 15.4 g. cysteamine are added at once. The mixture is stirred for one hour until all the solid has dissolved. 18.8 g. 1,2-dibromoethane are then added slowly (over approx. thirty minutes); the reaction is exothermic. The mixture is stirred overnight at room temperature, then filtered through a sintered glass funnel; the solid residue is washed with benzene. The combined organic layers are evaporated to dryness. A viscous brownish oil is obtained. This oil is taken up into benzene (100 ml.) and filtered through a short column of alumina (approx. 20 g.) The column is washed with an additional 250 ml. of benzene. The benzene solutions are evaporated to dryness. The yellowish residue crystallizes.

m.p. approx. 35 40C (Yield:85%)

2.75 ppm (multiplet18H) EXAMPLE 28 Preparation of 3,14-Dioxol l6-dioxa-7,10-dithia-4,l 3diazacyclooctadecane This reaction is carried out applying a high dilution technique. A solution of 10.2 g. of the diamine obtained in Example 27 in 500 m1, anhydrous benzene and a solution f 6.1 g. of the dichloride obtained in Example 1B in 500 ml. anhydrous benzene are added to 1.200 ml. anhydrous benzene over a period of ten hours under vigorous agitation and under a nitrogen atmosphere. On termination. the benzene solution is filtered. the residue is washed with benzene and the combined benzene solutions are evaporated to dryness. The residue is dissolved in anhydrous benzene and passed through a short column of alumina (30 g.) The polymers formed during the reaction are retained and a pure solution of the desired compound is obtained. After recrystallization from a mixture of benzene and heptane, the title product is produced. m.p. 145C? Yield 60% PMR (CDCl ):SCH CH S:2.80 ppm (singlet:4H): S-CH :2.80 ppm (multiplet:tl l); N-CH :3.45

ppm (multipletz4l-l); 0CH CH O:3.72 ppm (singlet: 4H); OCH CO:4.0 ppm (singletz4H) EXAMPLE 29 Preparation of l.16-dioxa-7,10dithia-4,l3-diaza cyclooctadecane A solution of 7 g. of the cyclic diamide obtained in Example 28 in 100 ml. anhydrous tetrahydrofurane is added slowly to 50 ml. of a freshly prepared solution (1.5 M) of diborane in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran under nitrogen atmosphere and at a temperature of 0C. The mixture is then heated to reflux for two hours. The excess reagent is destroyed by adding 10 ml. of water and the solution is evaporated to dryness on a rotatory evaporator under vacuum. 100 ml. 6N hydrochloric acid are added to the residue and the mixture is refluxed for two hours; a clear solution is obtained. This solution is then evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The residue is dissolved in 30 ml. water and the solution is pressed through a column of an anion exchange resin (Dowex 1, Trade Mark). The column is washed with water until there is no basic reaction. The combined water solutions obtained are evaporated to dryness under vacuum on a water bath (80 100C). The residue is recrystallized.

Yield 70% mp. 45C

PMR (CDCI ):CH N+CH S:2.77 ppm (complex band: 16H):Cl-l O:3.59 ppm (singletz4l-l; triplet:4H)

EXAMPLE Preparation of 2,9-Dioxo-4,7,1 3,16-tetraoxa-2l ,24-dithia-1 ,10- diazabicyclo[ 8,8,8 ]hexacosane The reaction is carried out applying the high dilution technique. A solution of 3.5 g. of the cyclic diamine obtained in Example 29 and 1.3 g. of triethylamine in 400 ml. anhydrous benzene and a solution of the dichloride (2.7 g. in 400 ml. anhydrous benzene) obtained in Example 1B are added to 1,000 ml. benzene during eight hours under nitrogen atmosphere and under agitation. The triethylamine hydrochloride precipitates and is filtered off. The filtrate is evaporated to dryness. The residue is dissolved in benzene and passed through a column of A1 0 (20 g.) using benzene as an eluant. The solutions are evaporated to dryness. The product is a viscous oil.

. plex broad band: 8H); CH O+CONCH,: 3.6

ppm (broad signals: 20H); COCH O:4.0 ppm (broad signalsz4I-l).

EXAMPLE 31 Preparation of 4,7,1 3-l6-tetraoxa-2 1 ,24-dithia-l ,10-diazabicyclo[ 8,8,8 ]hexacosane A solution of 1.6 g. of the bicyclic diamide obtained in Example 30 in 30 ml. anhydrous tetrahydrofuran is slowly added to 20 m1. of the fresh prepared diborane solution (1.5 N) under nitrogen atmosphere and a temperature of 0"C. The mixture is stirred two hours at reflux temperature. The excess reagent is destroyed by adding 5 ml. of water and the solution is evaporated on a rotatory evaporator under vacuum. This residue is treated with 50 ml. 6 N hydrochloric acid under heating at reflux for two hours and a solution is obtained. The mixture is evaporated under vacuum on a rotatory evaporator (water bath 100C). The residue is dissolved in 50 ml. water and the solution is passed through a column of an anion exchange resin (Dowex 1, Trade Mark). The column is washed with water until there is no basic reaction. The water is evaporated. The residue is dried in vacuum (0.1 mm. Hg) and recrystallized from a benzene and heptane mixture, yielding the desired compound.

m.p. 78 80C (Yield:%)

3.60 ppm (triplet18H); 3.65 ppm (singletz8H) EXAMPLE 32 Preparation of 5,12-dioxo-l,7,l0,l6-tetrathia-4,l3-diazacyclooctadecane This reaction is carried out applying a high dilution technique. A solution of 18 g. of the diamine obtained in Example 27 (0.1 mole) in 500 ml. anhydrous benzene and a solution of 12.4 g. of the dichloride obtained in Example 26 in 500 ml. anhydrous benzene are added to 1,200 ml. anhydrous benzene over a period of eight hours under vigorous agitation and under a nitrogen atmosphere. Most of the desired amide precipitates during the coruse of the reaction. On termination, the benzene solution is filtered and evaporated to dryness. A small amount (2 g.) of solid residue is obtained. The solid precipitates formed during the high dilution reaction are extracted three times with 250 ml. boiling chloroform. The residue obtained from the benzene layer is added to the combined chloroform extracts. This solution is then filtered through a short column of alumina (30 g.), the column being washed with an additional 1,000 ml. of chloroform. The solution obtained in concentrated and the desired diamide crystallizes out.

m.p. 148 149C (Yield 85%) PMR (CDCl ):CH S2.65-2.90 ppm (complex band: 12H);

COCH S:3.25 ppm (singlet:4H);-N-CH 3.52 ppm multiplet24H) EXAMPLE 33 Preparation of 1,7,10,16-tetrathia-4,l3-diazacyclooctadecane A solution of diborane (20 ml.;1.5 N) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran is added dropwise to a suspension of 2 g. of the diamide obtained in Example 32 in 50 ml. anhydrous tetrahydrofurane under nitrogen at room temperature. The solid dissolves giving a clear solution. After the addition is completed the mixture is refluxed during four hours and a solid precipitate is formed. After cooling to room temperature, the excess reagent is destroyed by adding carefully ml. of water. The solvents are evaporated to dryness and 6 N hydrochloric acid (50 ml.) is added to the solid residue. The mix ture is refluxed for three hours: the solid does not dissolve, the mixture remaining heterogeneous. The mixture is evaporated to dryness and a solution of 10% sodium hydroxide in water (50 ml.) is added to the residue.

The heterogeneous mixture is extracted three times with chloroform (50 ml.) The combined chloroform layers are dried over sodium sulfate and filtered through a short alumina (20 g.) column. The solvent is removed and the solid product is recrystallized from ethanol.

m.p. 125C Yield 50% PMR (CDCl ):one complex band from 2.75 to 2.83

ppm.

EXAMPLE 34 Preparation of 2,9-dioxo-4,7-dioxa-13,16,21,24-tetrathia-l,l0- diazabicyclo[ 8,8,8 ]hexacosane The reaction is carried out applying the high dilution technique. A solution of 1.0 g. of the cyclic diamine obtained in Example 33 and 0.3 g. of triethylamine in 100 ml. anhydrous benzene and a solution of the dichloride (0.8 g. in 100 m1. anhydrous benzene) obtained in Example 1B are added to 1,000 ml. anhydrous benzene during two hours under nitrogen atmosphere and under vigorous agitation. The salt of triethylamine and the hydrochloric acid precipitates and is filtered off. The filtrate is evaporated to dryness. The residue is dissolved in benzene and filtered through a column of A1 0 (20 g.) followed by 500 ml. of chloroform.

The solvents are evaporated, leaving the title compound as a viscous oil which may crystallize on standmg.

Yield: 40%

PMR (CDCl ):CH -S: 2.75 ppm (broad bandzl6H); CH -N and CH O:3.65 ppm (broad bandszsinglet triplet 12H); COCH -O: around 4 ppm (several broad peaks:4H)

EXAMPLE 35 Preparation of 4,7-dioxa-l3,16,21,24-tetrathia-l ,10- diazabicyclo[8,8,81hexacosane A solution of 0.6 g. of the bicyclic diamide obtained in Example 34 in 10 ml. tetrahydrofuran is slowly added to 10 ml. of the freshly prepared B H solution (1.5 M) under nitrogen atmosphere and at a temperature of 0C. The mixture is refluxed for two hours. The excess reagent is destroyed by adding 5 ml. of water and the solution is evaporated on a rotatory evaporator under vacuum. The solid residue is treated with 50 ml. 6 N hydrochloric acid under reflux for two hours. The mixture is evaporated to dryness under vacuum on a rotatory evaporator. The residue is treated with a solu tion of tetraethylammonium hydroxide until a basic reaction is obtained. The mixture containing a precipitate, is extracted several times with chloroform. The solutions are filtered through alumina and evaporated to dryness leaving the title compound as a crystalline residue.

The solid residue is recrystallized from a benzenehexane mixture and dried in vacuum (0.1 mm Hg.) m.p. 86 87C (Yield PMR (CDCl ):NCH CH S+NCH 2.70 ppm (multiplet: 20H), SCH,CH -S:2.90 ppm (broad band: 8H);CH -O:3.60 ppm (triplet: 4H):3.68 ppm (singlet: 4H).

EXAMPLE 36 Preparation of 2,9-dioxo-4,7,13,16,21,24-hexathia-1,10-diazabicyclo[ 8 ,8 ,8 ]hexacosane The reaction is carried out applying the high dilution technique. A solution of 4.5 g. ofthe cyclic diamine ob tained in Example 33 and 1.5 g. of triethylamine in 500 ml. hot anhydrous benzene (maintained at approx. 60C during the addition) or in 400 ml. anhydrous chloroform and a solution of the dichloride (3.5 g. in 400 ml. anhydrous benzene) obtained in Example 268 is added to 1000 ml. anhydrous benzene during six hours under nitrogen atmosphere and under vigorous agitation. The salt of triethylamine and the hydrochloric acid and the product precipitate and are filtered off. The benzene layer contains only a very small amount of product. The solid is extracted three times with hot chloroform. The combined chloroform solutions are filtered through an alumina column. The bicyclic amide is eluted with methanol. After evaporation to dryness the title product is obtained as a viscous oil. Yield 20% PMR (CDCl ):CH -S: several broad peaks between 2.5 and 3.1 ppm (20H);COCH S+CH N:several broad peaks between 3.2 and 3.8 ppm (12H). 

1. A MACROCYCLIC COMPOUND SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF A COMPOUND OF FOLLOWING FORMULA 1:
 2. A macrocyclic compound according to claim 1 wherein m, n and p are integers from 0 to
 3. 3. A macrocyclic compound according to claim 1 wherein each D is a member selected from the group consisting of oxygen and sulfur; and m, n and p are integers from 0 to
 3. 4. A macrocyclic compound according to claim 1 wherein each D is a member selected from the group consisting of oxygen and N- R; and m, n and p are integers from 0 to
 3. 5. A macrocyclic compound according to claim 1 wherein each D is oxygen; and m, n and p are integers from 0 to
 3. 6. A macrocyclic compound according to claim 1 wherein each D is oxygen; each A is ethylene; and m, n and p are integers from 0 to
 2. 7. A compound according to claim 6 wherein each D is oxygen; each A is ethylene; and m, n and p are each the integer 1; said compound being 4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo(8, 8,8)hexacosane having the following formula:
 8. A compound according to claim 6 wherein each D is oxygen; each A is ethylene; and m, n and p are each the integer 2, said compound being 4,7,10, 16,19,22,27,30,33-nonaoxa-1,13-diazabicyclo(11,11, 11)pentatriacontane having the following formula:
 9. A compound according to claim 6 wherein each D is oxygen; each A is ethylene; and m and n are the integer 1 and p is the integer 2; said compound being 4,7,10,16,19,24,27-heptaoxa-1,13-diazabicyclo(8,8,11)nonacosane having the following formula:
 10. A compound according to claim 6 wherein: each D is oxygen; each A is ethylene; and m and n are each the integer 2and p is the integer 1, said compound being 4,7,10,16,19,22,27,30-octaoxa-1,13-diazabicyclo(8,11,11)dotriacontane having the following formula:
 11. A compound according to claim 3 wherein: each D in one bridge is sulfur, all other D members being oxygen; each A is ethylene; and m, n, and p are each the iNteger 1; said compound being 4,7,13, 16-tetraoxa-21,24-dithia-1,10-diazabicyclo(8,8,8) hexacosane having the following formula:
 12. A compound according to claim 3 wherein: each D in one bridge is oxygen; other D members are sulfur; each A is ethylene; and m, n and p are each the integer 1; said compound being 4,7-dioxa-13,16,21,24-tetrathia-1,10-diazabicyclo(8,8,8) hexacosane having the following formula:
 13. A compound according to claim 3 wherein: each D is sulfur; each A is ethylene; and n, m and p are each the integer 1; said compound being 4,7,13, 16,21,24-hexathia-1,10-diazabicyclo(8,8,8)hexacosane having the following formula:
 14. A compound according to claim 6 wherein: each D is oxygen; each A is ethylene; and m and p are each the integer 1 and n is O; said compound being 4,7,13,16,21-pentaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo(8,8, 5)tricosane having the following formula:
 15. A compound according to claim 2 wherein: each D in one bridge is methylene, all other D members are oxygen; each A is ethylene; and m, n and p are each the integer 1; said compound being 4,7,13, 16-tetraoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo(8,8,8)hexacosane having the following formula:
 16. A compound according to claim 6 wherein: each D is oxygen; each A is ethylene; and m and n are the integer O and p is the integer 1; said compound being 4,7,13,18-tetraoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo(5,5,8)eicosane having the following formula:
 17. A compound according to claim 3 wherein: each D in one bridge is oxygen, each D in one bridge is sulfur, and in the third bridge one D is oxygen and the other D is sulfur; each A is ethylene; and m, n, and p are each the integer 1; said compound being 4,13,16-trioxa-7,21,24-trithia-1,10-diazabicyclo(8,8,8) hexacosane having the following formula:
 18. A compound according to claim 5 wherein each D is oxygen; A is a member selected from the group consisting of ethylene, and O-phenylene; and m, n and p are the integer 1, said compound being 4,11,17,20,25, 28-hexaoxa-1,14-diazatricyclo(12,8,8,05,10)-triaconta-5,7,9-triene having the following formula:
 19. A compound according to claim 5 wherein each D is oxygen; A is a member selected from the group consisting of ethylene and O-phenylene; and m, n and p are the integer 1, said compound being 4,11,17,24,29, 32-hexaoxa-1,14-diazatetracyclo(12,12,8,05,10,18,23) tetratriaconta-5,7,9,18,20,22-hexaene having the following formula:
 20. A compound according to claim 5 wherein: each D is oxygen; A is a member selected from the group consisting of ethylene and o-phenylene; and m and n are the integer 0 and p is 1; said compound being 4,11,17,22-tetraoxa-1,14-diazatricyclo(12,5, 5,05,10)tetracosa-5,7,9-triene having the following formula:
 21. A compound according to claim 4 wherein: each D in two bridges is oxygen and in the third bridge is NH; A is ethylene; and m, n, and p are 1; said compound being 4,7,13,16-tetraoxa-1,10,21,24-tetraazabicyclo(8,8,8)hexacosane having the following formula:
 22. A compound according to claim 4 wherein: each D in two bridges is NH and in the third bridge is oxygen; A is ethylene; and m, n, and p are the integer 1; said compound being 4,7-dioxa-1, 10,13,16,21,24-hexaazabicyclo(8,8,8)hexacosane having the following formula:
 23. A compound according to claim 4 wherein: each D in two bridges is oxygen and in the third bridge is N-CH3; A is ethylene; and m, n, and p are the integer 1; said compound being 21,24 -dimethyl-4,7,13,16-tetraoxa-1,10,21, 24-tetraazabicyclo(8,8,8)hexacosane having the following formula:
 24. A compound according to claim 4 wherein each D in two bridges is N-CH3 and in the third bridge is oxygen; A is ethylene; and m, n and p are each the integer 1; said compound being 13,16,21,24-tetramethyl-4,7-dioxa-1,10,13, 16,21,24-hexaazabicyclo(8,8,8)hexacosane having the following formula: 